In Rhode Island, the last spring frost usually comes between April 16 and May 8, and the first fall frost between October 7 and October 29, depending on where you live. Most of Rhode Island is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Rhode Island cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 7a | April 17 | April 23 | Oct. 24 |
| Warwick | 7a | April 17 | April 23 | Oct. 24 |
| Woonsocket | 6b | April 28 | May 6 | Oct. 12 |
| Coventry | 6b | April 27 | May 4 | Oct. 14 |
| South Kingstown | 7a | May 8 | May 18 | Oct. 7 |
| North Kingstown | 7a | April 27 | May 4 | Oct. 14 |
| Newport | 7a | April 14 | April 21 | Nov. 7 |
| Bristol | 7a | April 16 | April 22 | Oct. 29 |
| Lincoln | 6b | April 28 | May 6 | Oct. 12 |
| Westerly | 7a | April 17 | April 26 | Oct. 25 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Rhode Island. Among the cities above, Newport has the earliest last frost (around April 14) and South Kingstown the latest (around May 8), about 3 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Rhode Island
Most of Rhode Island is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 188 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Rhode Island:
- Zone 6 (about 52% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 7 (about 48% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rhode Island?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Rhode Island, the last spring frost comes between April 16 and May 8. In Providence, it is around April 17.
When is the first frost in Rhode Island?
Across most of Rhode Island, the first fall frost comes between October 7 and October 29. In Providence, it is around October 24.
What planting zone is Rhode Island?
Most of Rhode Island is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Rhode Island?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Providence, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 23. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 7.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.